Fantasy Shadows on the Canyon Floor | RPG Thread

[Sleipnir]

Springdale
The town of Springdale is a small one, nestled at the mouth of a great orange canyon under the shade of cottonwood trees growing out of loose, sandy desert soil. Yucca plants, prickly pear cactus, and sagebrush dominate the land, and the locals raise cows, horses, goats, and other livestock on the meager graze the southwest provides them.

In this strange western world, isolated from their eastern brothers and sisters, the locals of Springdale rely on one another more than anything, forming a close, tight-knit community. Supply runs to recieve or send food, goods, or medicines and ammunition are a dangerous thing, as the wild world outside town and the dirt roads in between are often plagued with monsters or even the occasional gang of undead highwaymen, killed by capable travelers only to rise again in order to continue their trouble.

Now, though, a local leader of the community, a man named Ezekiel Blackham, has telegraphed a request for help in the canyon. The people of Springdale have put out a bounty on monsters up the canyon which have been preying upon their livestock and their neighbors both.​

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HELP WANTED:
HUNTING

The town of Springdale requests able-bodied individuals ready and willing to hunt and dispatch a pack of dangerous, unknown beasts in the northern reachs of the local canyon. These beasts have repeatedly ambushed herders staying upcanyon with their livestock, killed livestock including cattle, goats, and horses, and have recently come closer to the town of Springdale itself to raid chicken yards. The horde has occasionally attacked men and women out in the dark.
Due to a failure to provide a response from local outposts, the citizens of Springdale have pooled $45 apiece for any hunter willing to find and slay the monsters or beasts responsible.​

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​

 

[Sleipnir]

The town of Springdale was a small, but spread out one: Mostly, it was composed of a loose collection of farmsteads and pastures sprawling across the valley between the tall, red-brown mesas. Cottonwood trees and thickets of willows offered shade and protection from the heat in most places. It was a hot morning already, with the sun just peaking over the canyon walls, and most of the livestock had since retreated to resting in the shade near the river or in it -- except, of course, the chickens, which didn't seem to care about the weather one bit. The roads were dusty, and a few folks were out and about. There was, however, an overwhelming nervousness to those who did roam the streets.

That was hardly a surprise, though. Springdale had been harassed by unknown monsters relentlessly recently, and tensions were running high. How long, after all, would it be before the monsters or demons responsible for the attack strayed closer during the day? How long would it be? The threat was ever present and ever growing. Goats and cattle left out of the barns had been slaughtered, chicken coops had been torn apart and flocks eaten. Even the occasional horse or pony could be prey to whatever beasts came crawling out of the canyon at night -- and worse, they'd attacked people, too.

It was the dreadful realization that the attacks were getting worse that drove the town to act. Money was pooled together and an earnest call for help sent out: Any hunter willing to find and kill the monsters that lived north in the narrower sections of the canyon would be rewarded. It would be dangerous work, there could be no doubt -- especially when no one knew for sure just what was attacking Springdale in the dark. But that was just all the more reason for the folks in town to pay well. The gathering place for such an endeavor was, naturally, the church -- a big, one-room brick building, where most schooling, town meetings, and services all took place. It was the heart of town, and the town 'square' -- a small collection of stores and businesses -- popped up around it quite promptly. It was here that any willing, able-bodied hunter was to meet one Ezekiel Blackham, a tall, dignified man who had become a leader for the frightened citizens of Springdale in every way except a formal one. With no true saloon or hotel in town, he had not only set up the bounty, but offered to help house those who may need it as well.


It had been a long evening of travel, and Judas Cloud was only just coming into town when the hot sun peaked over the canyon walls and washed the desert floor with light. He felt about ready to fall out of the saddle, if he was being honest -- but he didn't like admitting that. He could've slept the night before, on his way in, but sleep had alluded him quite well. And how could he blame himself? He found the concept of coming into Springdale a little unsettling, but the town needed help, and looking up at the familiar red canyon walls rising over the river... he didn't regret the choice.

He slipped out of the saddle and took his horse's reins in his hand to lead him as they came down into the town square. Judas was already getting nervous, uncomfortable looks, and honestly, he couldn't blame folks for seeming anxious -- after all they'd been through so far, how could they not dislike a horse that was walking, but obviously dead? Sundial's coat was still shimmering pink-gold, but Judas was sure the exposed vertebrae and leg bones couldn't have been a pleasant sight. So, as he came up closer to the church, he led the horse, hoping the tight sense of control would make folks feel a little better. So, with his horse's reins in hand, Judas slowly made his way up toward the church where Ezekiel Blackham would be waiting, with his head low and his hat brim shading his face from the sun.

 

[ufotofu]

Frankie was sulking in the shadows of the church, his presence, a ghostly silhouette within its hallowed walls. He sat at a pew holding an aged photograph of a busty saloon girl with her hand clasped around a pint glass. She resembled someone he’d once cherished. “Mr Franklin Adams - my oh my! You are a handsome man, if I thought I was yer type, I’d snatch you up in a heartbeat - a heartbeat - a heartbeat.” Fixated on the image, he could hear the piano in the background as the young woman danced around the frame, petting patrons and beckoning Frankie to lose himself in the past. He pressed a finger lightly on the film, “now don’t you worry yer pretty little face, that darned brother o’ mine will be finished any min… ute - just you w… ait.” Frankie released the photograph from his grasp, the piano’s song fading as it lay on the floor, disintegrating into ashes. Thrown stills always found their way back to him, he knew he’d revisit that memory again.

Now slouched at the pew, a pile of dust at his feet, Frankie turned his gaze to the alter. A voice had guided him to Springdale but this was not the source of it. He gazed up, realising whatever resided within the walls of the church would allow him board - but his cursed existence was not welcome to stay.

A consequence of his affliction, Frankie No Face had become the spectral sentinel Springdale had unknowingly sought. The town, bound by an unwitting pact with the otherworldly, now relied on Frankie's undead prowess to combat the malevolent forces that had taken residence outside its once-tranquil borders. Whether or not it was their intention, he had been summoned by a Springdale resident.

It was the day before, a plea for help carried with the desert’s dry breath drawing him in like the lungs of a rabbit. A distress message he held no power to ignore were he even to try. He followed the voice and rode into town on a coal-black horse with eyes as deep as a mine that lead to hell. The wraith was greeted by gasps, bells and gunshots as he usually was but Frankie No Face would harm no human, that much Ezekiel Blackham knew for certain. As the ruckus died down, Frankie was escorted to the church where he took solace in the idea that he’d be smited for attempting to enter holy grounds.

 

[Hel]

A young woman sat a few rows from the pew where the spectral, faceless man was waiting with his photo. She was somewhat relaxed, leaning into the corner where the short armrest met the back of the pew, her feet stretched out under the pew in front of her. Her blond hair hung in loose curls at her shoulder, and she hadn't offered the building the respect of removing her hat.

The scent of demons had brought her to Springdale. Where there was trouble, she figured, there might be demons. The slaughtered livestock and other such terror didn't sound like the demon she was hunting, but they all killed the same in her book. The only good demon was a dead one, after all, and even if it wasn't a demon terrorizing the folks here Ska would settle for having helped some folks out.

Restless, she pulled a book from the back of the pew in front of her. She'd not seen these types of books with more than two words on the front before, but this one had three. Strange, she thought. She didn't linger on the question long though. Instead, she flipped the book open to somewhere in the middle. Most of what was on the page looked like gibberish to her, but then again it could just be that she hadn't gotten very far in learning to read. Still, though, she figured there was no harm in trying during the downtime. She focused at the top of the page, making her way through the shorter words with relative ease. The longer words gave her pause. As the door opened, and a short, effeminate cowboy made his way inside, she must have looked the picture of a diligent student of religion as she struggled to make heads or tails of the page.

 

[Miaow]

Despite living in the town, Chuu was up early. The sun had barely brushed against the horizon as she scuffled to the stables, her fingertips running along the wood panels, keeping her grounded. A typical morning was filled with the whinnies of her animal companions, eagerly awaiting their breakfast... but it was far too early for that. As the wooden door creaked open, brushing with it a pile of hay, they raised their heads in confusion at the small girl dwarfed by an armful of supplies.

Chuu's beloved steed had been the first equine death on the farm. He was the smallest of the herd with a gentle temperament to match, he was easy pickings among his larger, more aggressive brethren. He was the reason the horses were now confined to their stables overnight, something the wilder of the group did not appreciate. The night was dangerous, leaving them in an open field was simply asking for it.

Chuu had picked her transport ahead of time. A big horse, but not so big they couldn't feel her leg aids; An aggressive, hardy horse, but not so rowdy she couldn't control them on the trails; A fearless mount, but not so fearless they refused to run from a threat. That left only one, her boss' favourite and for obvious reasons. She was the perfect horse for the job, the top boss of the herd, her ears always pinned, notorious for nipping slow cattle on the backside when they got too close.

Mercy was tacked and mounted before the sun could illuminate the pastures, her saddlebags filled with whatever essentials Chuu could find. A flask of water, bandages, a hoof pick and brush. Surely someone else in their group would be organised... right? A compass wasn't exactly something she could easily come by and she'd already pinched as much as she could get away with from her employer, including his prized mare.

She quickly led her outside, using the middle rung of a fence to mount up. She could feel Mercy's uneasiness beneath her as she kicked up dust with her hooves, trotting towards the woods. This was far too early to be exercise, that was a job for the evening when the sun was low, and they never exercised with saddlebags. Her ears were pricked. Something abnormal was afoot. Her ears flicked towards her rider as Chuu pressed her lips around her fingers, her whistle echoing through the trees. She too had an anxious air about her. What if the hunting party left without them? What if she was caught before her companions even arrived? She adjusted her wide-brimmed hat, gazing nervously into the woods.

 

[Hawke.]

The air was filled with the soft sounds of jingling bells and metal clattering together as Reid Atwater rode into town on his big, dark mule, his dark clothing was a choice for the sunny southwestern deserts. He had had a harrowing journey coming from the east over the Rockies, he wasn't so used to the climate or terrain here but he'd heard of the bounty offered, and it was something he couldn't pass up.
So in he rode, dark as the ravens plucking at the bodies of the unfortunate sheep that had fallen victim to the beasts in the canyon. He was imposing, striking, he wore all manner of trinkets on his person and didn't seem fond of making small talk.
The church was a much needed break from the sun, as he made his way up the pews to sit down, exhaling deeply and taking his hat off. It had been some time since he'd been in one of these places and he couldn't help but wonder if this was the same god he'd known in his youth, the one that was used as a weapon against him, he'd heard stories about the God these people followed, none of it sounded right to him either.

Looking around at the people in the church they all certainly seemed intriguing, but the thin little cowboy that swaggered in he recognized, he squinted at him, unsure at first if it was some coincidence, but no. Sure as shit that was him. Kid Cloud. Or whatever alias he was going by, but he wasn't after him now, and he supposed if Cloud was here, he must not be here to commit crimes against humanity or cause shenanigans. At least maybe that was the case.

 

[BuggaBoo]

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'Flower / Rain' and 'Wolfie'

Location: In the trails, cat form riding with Chuu. Nearing the church by the end.
Mentions: None.
Interactions: Miaow ​

Leaving the Wilderness...

Packing it up (Prologue)...

Icy blue eyes narrowed and she froze on the spot, banishing the sound of thudding heartbeats away from her ears.

Brown chin tilted upward, strong nose taking sharp and short inhales. Slowly those ice blues closed as she listened a heartbeat longer. Only the smell of the forest floor and the sound of soft wind through foliage she detected. A smile crept its way across her face as she opened her eyes and continued her task. It was the old routine of burying her things before embarking upon a new journey.

She had already finished her rituals dances and made all her proper offerings. All that was left to do was gather her pack and meet with the girl who the spirits called; 'She of the Cloudy Skies'. This was the teen girl who befriended the beast, the pale, silver-lined Outsider person that called herself 'Chuu.' Of course, the huntress could not say such a name, not for lack of trying but for a lack of vocal cords. It sounded nice, however, she did not understand what 'Chuu' meant in the girl's language so for all she knew it could mean one and the same as 'She of the Cloudy Skies.' Most likely not. For Outsiders, she learned, mostly name their children using names of other people's children. It was odd to her that the Outsiders were perfectly fine with having non-unique names for each other. The girl called the huntress; 'Flower' in private times, and, 'Rain' in proper public times. It was what the huntress called herself afterall but she wondered how many other Outsider children were name the exact same as she?

But regardless, the language barrier between the two was just that; a barrier. And all barriers could be dealt with with a cunning mind. In this situation there were 2 such minds and both were 'whisperers' too. Language to the pair was more than just verbal; it was reading one another, attuning to each other as they would do with other animals. That and they had a rudimentary whistle language consisting of simple words that a baby or toddler would know.

Speaking of whistling...

Full lips puckered up and she let out a sharp dual whistle; a long high note immediately followed by a long low one. The intonation was one and the same as a summons a girl would make for their beloved dog. To the huntress, it translated into the name that Chuu called the shaggy canine; "Woooolllll-fieeeeee...!"

Yes, his name was Wolfie. He had a lame forepaw, but only after 3 weeks of feral huntress rehab and encompassing townie-girl love, he no longer moved in pain, and could run again despite the limp. Still, the huntress knew that without a pack, a limping lone wolf would never survive out here by itself. So she taught him to hone a skill neccessary to live by; ambush predator hunting. And this was easier to teach Wolfie than it was to teach Chuu how to knife fight and throw. The giantess of a woman was more than a hunter and a whisperer; she was a Demon-Slaying Shaman that could talk to animals.

Once more icy blues scanned the nearby foliage, past the low branches, past the wide-leaved bushes, past the thick gnarled tree trunks. She then listened, beyond the sound of her breath, beyond the sound of the wind, beyond the sound of the bird calls. There was no sign of the shaggy, grey wolf.

Once more she smiled. A tattooed hand brushed past tattooed cheek and she removed her lovingly carved and decorated Bearskull Headress. The moment she lowered herself, there was a sharp growl, a rustling from the bush and a sudden blur of motion. The lone Wolfie attacked the gentle Flower.

Flower turned at the last second and she caught the snarling snapping thing by the jowls. The silence of the forest errupted into violence and Icy blues gazed directly into lupine blue ones. Flower disappeared. Rain was here now.

Big muscles of tattooed arms and legs bulged as she drove the beast head first into the detrius of the forest floor. A leg swung over to mount and choke control the wolf. He yelped in recognition and rolled with it, barely squirming away from the head lock. He snapped at her arm to wound and pull her down for him to attack her while she on was the ground. He missed and she smacked his snout away with one hand, with the other, she drew a sharpened stone shiv. Like the raging water in a stormsurge, she slashed at the wolf. He pulled back, snarling and frothing at the mouth. Again, and again he feinted an attack, pulling back at the last second. Then he found her pattern and snapped at the perfect moment. The hand was disarmed; he was going to rip that hand off the wrist then leap on her fallen body and tear out her throat. But this was Rain; easier said than done.

A hiss then a quick kick to the throat. He yelped and pulled away at the same time she hissed and pulled away. Suddenly she reached for something at her hip. Lupine eyes bulged and the wolf turned and bolted away back into the thick of the bushes. Rain pulled her hand away from her hip, forefinger and thumb shaped like an 'L'. With hand levelled at shoulder height, she made loud spitting sounds whilst stamping her feet.

When all was quiet again, she held her finger to her lips and blew, pantomiming a gunslinger blowing away the smoke from the business end of their too-loud killing iron.

The training session was over. Wolfie had done amazing as an ambush predator and even better as a survivalist. He did as was ingrained into him; when you see a two-legger reach like that, you run. No hesitation, when you see a gun pulled, you run.

A singlular whistle with that same soothing intonation as Chuu, 'It's okay. It's okay...'

2 heartbeats later, bounding out from the bush, limping as always, was a happy and non-threatening Wolfie. He looked like he was made only from a laughing lolling tongue and wagging tail. Rain's eyes gave way to Flower as she rushed forward and leapt on him, both rolling around, playfully wrestling. Yes, she knew he knew he did a good job and she was soooooo proud of him.

He lounged there, tongue lolling as he panted. She sat right beside him and scritched his ears. Wolfie looked up at her then licked her hand. Chuu was right. The giant two-legger really was a Flower some of the times: gentle, showy and inviting. Yet mostly she was Rain: driven, harsh and relentless. But he knew her by her spirit-given Name; "Voice of the Spirits." And yes, she really was that to him. Then there was the girl with the snowy white hair, she was called different names too, but he knew her as; "Soothing Wind." Regardless of names, he was certain of one thing. They were his sisters and he their brother. That and he loved them very, very much.

Lupine blue eyes turned upwards to the Voice. She gave off a troubled scent. A soft whine he let out. She was uneasy and it was making him uneasy. Cold nose nuzzled her hand and licked gently. Flower startled, then smiled as she rest her gaze upon him. Suddenly her eyes lit up the hue of a silvery moon. The spirits stirred as she invoked them to speak on her behalf.

<<Healing-Soul, we will be walking with the Outsider peoples into their territory,>> whispered the spirits to him yet not a single voice was heard in the woods, <<stay close to She-Of-Cloudy-Skies and Voice-Of-The-Spirits. Do not run unless you see the loud-fire-metals. The Outsider peoples do not understand us, they will be fearful, they will be curious. They will try to touch you. Snarl but do not bite. Just move away from them. Stay with your sisters, yes?>>

<<Yes. I will do as lead Voice sister says. I will stay by both you and special sister Wind. Now, Kisses...?>>

Special sister. It stabbed her heart to know he had a favourite between the two, but at least he was honest. And very brave. She let out a half-laugh, half-scoff at her petty jealousy.

<<We have to leave. Buuuuut... okay. Kisses..!>>

Face first, she fell into him and nuzzled up into his fur, nose and lips shaking vigorously.

With the last of her items tucked away into her cache, she dusted her hands off and took a deep breath. It felt strange to know that the pack with all her precious belongings were going to ride on an animal. Yes, she had seen how Chuu had treated these giant, running grass-eaters, these 'horses.' And it was so nice to see an Outsider person respect and care for other animals but... they used the animals as tools and kept them locked up like possessions?! So strange and so wrong but this was why they were Outsider people; this was their survival on their territories outside the woodlands and wilderness.

On the trail, she took pause once and began to sway and stomp when she felt that spirit calling to her. Flower was in full dance, eyes glowing silver, body twirling, arms sweeping away as Wolfie swayed like a reed in the wind, moved by the rhythm of the Spirits. Immediately she stopped and directed her gaze into the distance as if she could see through the trees. The spirits had located Chuu. She was at the meeting place and she was nervous. And she was not alone.

From the thick of the woods, a soft whistle that Chuu would recognize as her own name sounded out. Moments later and eerily silent, the huge tattooed huntress emerged like a great cat on the prowl. Slowly and surely she approached, eyes glowing silver. Chuu should know what she was doing for Chuu was the only one in town that ever witnessed Flower talking to animals.

<<Burdened-Runner, hail. You know me. I am Voice-of-the-Spirits but I am not as you seen me before. I am the one and the same banded tailed and masked face animal that tried to free you. Do you remember the 'raccoon'? You were one of the only runners that defied freedom for loyalty. I have a sharp-toothed brother hunter. He will not eat you. He is your... rider girl's brother too. Will you fear him?>>

A pause. Then the spirits whispered into her ear. <<No. If it eats me, I will trample it.>>

Wow. Brazen and brave. Good enough. Flower nodded and flashed a hand signal. Wolfie slowly made his way out from the bush, eyes low, moving in a semi-circle to face the horse. Just a small nervous whinny but other than that, no adverse reaction. Silver faded from her eyes and she breathed a sigh of relief.

Wolfie jumped excitedly into Chuu's arms, trying as much as possible to keep his barks low but failing badly. This was his 'special' sister afterall. Flower rolled her eyes and shook her head before rushing over to Chuu and greeting her like a giant cat. She rubbed her cheeks and chin into Chuu's face as Wolfie licked away at the girl's pale face at the same time.

Flower ceased her happy mewling, recomposed herself, then helped Chuu up. With a cheezy, yet confident grin plastered across her face, she held out a hand expectantly. She was proud to learn and master the greeting of the Outsider people here; the 'handshake.' Once the craziness of just meeting up with each other again was over, the huntress hustled to strap her things to the horse Chuu called; Mercy. She took especial care to tuck her bow, headress and boots away nice and secure.

A nod, then wearing nothing but the cloth that covered up her lady parts, she made her way into the woods, Wolfie trailng close behind her. A minute later, a little blue eyed, black cat came prancing out from the bush, big shaggy grey wolf trailing behind it with Flower's clothes in his jaws. Chuu would know that she had shifted but Flower had taken the precaution to not shift into this form so as to not absolutely freak out Mercy.

Soon enough, she was curlled up on Chuu's shoulders purring softly as she nuzzled that rosy cheek. Wolfie strayed away at a distance far enough so as to not spook the horse, but close enough that they could all still see him. Despite her contentedness upon her Outsider sister's shoulder her heart was racing. And once she saw that building with the giant accusing symbol upon it, her heart raced faster than Mercy could run.

---

 

[Sleipnir]

Judas had to stop at first to stand at the bottom of the steps into the big brick building. He'd been there before. Many times, really, usually with a book pressed to her chest or praying or trying to avoid looking at anyone. Staring out the window, maybe, watching the cowboys bring herded cattle back into town. She'd only ever been watching the one with the pretty champagne horse, though.

Well, that cowboy wasn't here now. Cloud wouldn't ever see him again. Looking back over his shoulder at the half-dead horse behind him, standing patiently and watching him, though, he could take solace in still having Sundial. He was an obedient beast -- didn't even need tied to a hitching post. If anything, Judas was just lucky he didn't try to come into the church with him. "I'll be back before long, Sundial," he told him.

He stayed there a few seconds more. He still felt jittery. He still felt like he should turn and run, staring at the door. All he could really think to do to steady himself was step back down to Sundial's side, pull a cigarette out of a saddlebag, and light it as he headed back up the stairs. Over his shoulder, as he started in, he could see a smaller, younger girl coming up the road behind him. Pale as death itself. Judas paused for a minute, studying her as he took a short drag off his cigarette. Part of him thought she might not have been fully alive at all, looking at her -- her features certainly didn't match her color. But there she stood in the full sun, riding a pretty horse who showed her no concern. So all he could figure was the girl with her cat just... looked strange.

Standing on the steps, breathing out a cloud of smoke, what could Judas say of it, anyway? He knew well enough there was a woman's body under his shirt, vest, and jeans, and he was standing there with a rotting animal as a horse. What was strange anymore, anyway?

He couldn't deny the inevitable forever, though. He turned back to the doors and pushed them open. He dropped the cigarette to his side, still keeping it lit, and glanced around the room. There in the back, sitting in the pews was a man with his face covered. Something about him had a strange feeling about it -- almost the same way it felt to stand too close to Sundial. Judas squinted at him as he walked past, slowing when he got closer. He still couldn't make out the stranger's face. He kept walking up the pews and lifted his cigarette for another drag. Up closer to the front, a pretty blonde woman studied the Book of Mormon carefully. He'd almost think she was just there to study as he once had, if not for the fact that she was wearing pants, too. No one in Springdale would've let that slide if she lived here. Judas didn't recognize her, anyway, so unless she'd arrived after he left, she couldn't have been around. Finally, there was a man all in black, adorned in countless trinkets and pieces of jewelry. As Judas passed him, he could see how pretty some of the bells and pieces were. Dark hair to match, a handsome face... He couldn't deny he liked the mysterious man's look, but when he lifted his head and met Cloud's eye, something in it told him plenty. He's a bounty hunter, if ever I saw one.

He narrowed his eyes a bit and passed him by, pausing for a moment to look up at the front of the church. Of all the people he'd seen so far -- the pale girl outside, the shadowy stranger, the blonde rider, the bounty hunter... Ezekiel Blackham wasn't among them. Not at first, anyway.


Judas was only questioning that for a few moments before the side door opened. He lowered his head a little and watched as the man himself strode in.

Ezekiel Blackham wasn't the sort of man you'd pick out in a crowd right away. He was on the tall side, with a relatively broad frame -- one couldn't miss that he was the sort of man who had to go work outside frequently. He moved with the confidence of a leader. He left his hair a little longer than some -- it was ashy blonde and cropped to his ears, framing his brow and brown eyes. He strode into the front of the church, glancing around the group as they entered and settled. Judas lowered his head and slowly breathed out another cloud of smoke. Ezekiel gave him little more than a passing glance, though. Suppose he'd rather I smoke than spit tobacco on the floor, Judas guessed. Well... he preferred that, too. Nothing was more repulsive than a man who spat, as far as Cloud was concerned.

Whatever he thought, looking at the group, Ezekiel didn't let on. He just offered a warm, tight-lipped smile and lifted his hands in a welcoming gesture. "I must start out by thanking you all for your willingness to come to our aid," he told them. "The community has seen terrible losses in livestock since the attacks began. We've seen goats and sheep ripped apart... Even cattle and horses have been taken if they're left alone. We can't go on like this, so we as a community have come together to ask for your assistance. You'll be paid well, and for as long as it takes for you to locate the source of the problem and eliminate it, I will gladly provide you room and board on my ranch. You'll be well-fed," he added.

He turned then to point out the window, up into the canyon between its soaring orange walls. "We know the beasts are coming down from up-canyon in the night," Ezekiel continued. "But this canyon is full of deep cervices, narrow side canyons, and a small collection of mines. We decided it was best to suspend any work in the canyon itself until more qualified people could eliminate the threat." He turned and glanced around the group again, eyebrow furrowed in mild concern. "I'd encourage you all to be careful in this undertaking. If you have questions, I will gladly answer them and tell you all we know. And, once you're ready, I can take you to the house and you can settle in before you head out. You plenty of sunlight to go by -- just... be aware that once the sun starts to set, it sets quickly."

 

[Miaow]

Chuu's ears pricked up as she heard her "name," or the whistle that meant her name. She stood by Mercy's side, her fingers loosely wrapped around her reins. As the broad, imposing form of her friend emerged from the woods, she slightly tightened her grip, anxious her equine companion might find someone such as her intimidating. She watched Mercy as Rain's eyes glowed silver, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. They were talking! It was highly convenient, having a friend who could commune with nature. It made introductions much easier, especially with flight animals.

She watched carefully as Wolfie emerged from the bushes, glancing between him and her steed. She seemed to tolerate his present, though there was an underlying anxiety. Chuu squeaked as he leapt into her arms, struggling to catch him. Wolves were big things, it took some decent upper arm strength to keep him off of the ground. She tilted her head up, attempting to avoid his slobber as he licked her all over.
"Shhhh!" She giggled, keeping her own voice low. Though they were a decent distance from her farm, there was always the risk she'd been followed...

She grinned as Rain pressed her cheek to hers, rubbing up against her like a cat marking their territory. She returned the gesture with pleasure. A kind touch was something she hadn't experienced for a long time until Rain had arrived. She held onto her shoulders as she hoisted her onto her saddle, adjusting her feet in her stirrups.
"Thank you," She smiled, leaning over to shake her hand. It was a relief that she'd embraced that gesture... it might make meeting the rest of the posse that bit easier.

As Rain returned in her feline form and hopped up onto Chuu's shoulders, she clicked her tongue and squeezed Mercy's trunk with her heels.
"We've gotta get going before they leave without us!" She murmured as Mercy trotted ahead, making their way to town.

The church was always a little spooky for Chuu. Her parents had made she and her siblings go as a kid, though Chuu was never entirely convinced. That place meant getting told what to wear, what to eat, who you could love... and that wasn't exactly her favourite pass time. She scanned the townspeople as they approached. She knew the stares would be much worse if Rain was in her true form, but a girl with a cat, a horse and a wolf in tow was still a little strange.

She swung her leg over the back of her saddle, bouncing as her feet hit the ground. She quickly tied Mercy's reins around the hitching post, giving her a brisk rub of the neck as a thank you. She could hear a familiar, authoritative voice from outside, making her stomach flip.
"They've started already..." She whispered to Rain, making her way through the main doors as quickly and as quietly as she could. She held them open for Wolfie, waiting for the sound of claws on hardwood, before swiftly taking a seat at the back to avoid any further interruption. It sounded like he'd just started his monologue... "I will gladly provide you room and board on my ranch. You'll be well-fed."

Boy, it was dark in there, which made her already poor vision that much poorer. She squinted at the surrounding mercenaries... A strawberry blonde cowboy, a regular blonde cowgirl, a tall, dark and mysterious cowboy, and a man with his face entirely in shadow. That would've been spooky if Chuu could actually see. She rested her hand atop of Wolfie's head, brushing his eyebrows with her thumb. Don't go sniffing around just yet...

 

[Hel]

As Ezekiel began speaking, Lockheart put the book she’d been parsing through back into the slot in the pew in front of her to listen. Seemed to her that the man’s willingness to board them was brave- or foolish. He didn’t know a thing about any of them yet. Still, though, it sounded better than sleeping in the church pews like she’d been expecting.

As he finished speaking, the door gave a slight creak, and Ska turned to glance behind at the latecomer. Quite the pet. She thought, assessing the wolf with the woman. She paid the cat no special attention, assuming it was nothing special as most cats were.

Turning back towards Ezekiel, he seemed to have gone quiet, waiting for questions. She had a few, but figured another would ask them for her so she didn’t have to struggle to get her answer out of the man.

 

[Hazel_]

The sun hung low in the sky as Juniper rode into the dusty town of Copper Creek. Her arrival was marked by the distinct sound of hooves on gravel, drawing fleeting glances from the townsfolk. She guided her horse toward the hitching post, securing the reins before adjusting her Stetson hat, its brim casting a shadow over her determined gaze.

With a quiet purpose, she made her way to the town's church, the meeting point stipulated in the bounty notice she'd received. The faint strains of hymns drifted through the open doors as she arrived, the congregation gathered for evening prayers. Juniper hesitated at the threshold, reluctant to disturb the sanctity of the moment, but duty beckoned her inside.

As she entered, the wooden floor creaked slightly beneath her boots, drawing a few fleeting glances from those already present. She kept her head low, the hat shielding her face from curious eyes as she made her way to the back pew, slipping into a seat with practiced stealth. She guessed she was late, but she didnt exacly mind all that much with her tending to always be late.

 

[BuggaBoo]

---

'Rain'

In the Church with Chuu and Wolfie...

The spirits stirred and it set her at ill ease.

Yes, this structure was sacred and a safe space to the Outsider peoples here despite Chuu's obvious discomfort the closer they drew towards it.

Even Wolfie sensed his 'special' sister's apprehensions and whined softly once they were neath its looming shadow. But it was not the structure itself that disturbed Rain, nor the shrinking body language of her companions. It was the dance of the spirits and the fervour and agitation at which they did dance. It was near panic.

The little black cat bristled and hissed once her suspicions were realized. At the hitching post, huddled away together were many horses, some stamping nervously, eyes bulging as they regarded the lone animal made of flaking flesh and stinking rot. It was a re-alived horse.

Mercy seemed non-plussed as Chuu tied her down. But Rain was incensed. She would find out who would dare ride into this territory with such a hated thing, then she would rip its heart out and eat it before coming back here to slay this rotted abomination.

The male presiding over this meagre congregation seemed to be a sizeable and worthy leader despite not bearing any markings nor accessories that would denote him as such. But his speaking voice was strong and flowing, his demeanour that of earnest goodwill and from a place of wisdom. She got a gist of what he had said. Chuu had taught her these words over and over and having her pantomime out the meaning was what had helped her understand these Outsider words that much faster.

"I -- out -- thank you -- come -- . See -- attack. We see goat sheep cattle horses -- take -- left alone. We can't go -- this we -- we -- come together ask --. You ---- long -- take you ----- problem --, I ---- you ---- ranch. You -- fed."

She nodded in acceptance of the welcoming and wriggled, mewled and pawed away in the air to signal her own wordless greeting in reply. Then she settled back down and continued to groom herself upon half of Chuu's lap. Her black fuzzy tail flicked at Wolfie's nose as he rest his jaw upon the other half of his 'special' sister's lap. Feline blue eyes watched cooly as that pale hand stroked away at the wolf's brow, calming his heart that much more. She stopped grooming herself to ponder a moment; Does She-of-the-Cloudy-Skies, their pale Outsider sister, realize the danger she will be facing the moment they agree to this leader-man's plea?

"We -- come down -- up -- night. This ------- small --. We --------. -- you -- careful --. -- you -- question, I -- answer -- tell you -- we --. -- you ready, I take you house you -- in -- you head out. You -- sun -- go bye -- sun -- quick."

This second part of the speech, Rain seemed to have lost in the muddle of its context. It sounded like... a scheme of some sort accompanied with some warnings? But for certain he was going to guide them to another structure. She perked up just then; perhaps they would perform a hunting dance ritual beforehand altogether! Oh how she loved the music and dance of these Ousiders!

And she was ready to move now for she had been making plans of her own whist she groomed herself. Out of respect she did not try to interact with the spirits here. But she did not need to Commune to tell who exactly were these female and male Outsiders. She had seen all the faces of those gathered here. Each had the spine of metal made from the same hardness as their too-loud killing irons. Their eyes were the coolness of its touch, the fire behind those eyes as loud and ferocious as when such a killng metal thing shouted.

Rain rubbed her cheek into Wolfie's face and he responded in kind with several affectionate licks. She then clambered her way back up onto Chuu's shoulder and sat there, purring as she nuzzled into her silvery locks.

Feline blue eyes glinted. There was one here whose face she could not read. This one face was shrouded with secrecy and darkness. She would find out its true intent... right through its chest and then she would eat it.

---